Physical abuse most common for women

By MEMO HAUKE
MORE than 100 cases of family and sexual violence cases are reported at the Waigani Police Station every month, Sergeant Peter Aimm of the Family and Sexual Violence Unit says.
He said the physical abuse of women and girls was the most common form of violence.
“It is more like an everyday activity for men bashing up women,” Aimm told The National yesterday.
“We have three types of family sexual violence – physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Those three are then catagorised into different assaults – minor assaults, grievous bodily harm and serious assault.
“Physical abuse goes hand-in-hand with financial abuse. When the victim verbally complains to the suspect about extramarital matters or children’s rights it leads to physical abuse towards the victim.
“Sexual abuse within the marriage is a law under marital rape. We take such cases as criminal matter that is directly referred to the Sexual Offence Squad at the Boroko Police Station. They do the investigation and then refer the case to the support centre at the Port Moresby General Hospital to handle the medical reports. And submit the crime report to the SOS to deal with the suspect.
“For men, only 20 males in a year get involved in family and sexual violence and become the victim but this rarely happens.
“I am only speaking on the reported cases at Waigani Police Station. We have Gerehu Police Station, Gordon, 6-Mile, Badili, Town and others.
“What about those cases that are not reported and victims die due to emotional abuse after being a victim of continuous physical abuse? What about internal injuries that are caused by physical abuse?
“Many cases have been reported but nothing has been done to help the victims.
“This is a serious situation that will eventually get out of hand if we don’t address it now.
“Currently, we only report the cases and we refer them to our partner agencies such as welfare offices, Lifeline PNG, City Mission and others for counseling.”
Aimm said there were only six “safe houses” for women in the National Capital District, which was unable to deal the increasing rate of violence against women and girls.
He said drastic measures were needed from the Government to deal with this issue immediately.